Yamaha Yzf-r125
The Yamaha Yzf-r125 has a top speed of 110 km/h, produces 15 hp and weighs 142 kg. Motoryk rates it 8/10.
The Yamaha YZF-R125 was introduced in 2008 as a 125cc supersport motorcycle designed to bring full-size R-series styling and performance to the learner and A1 license category. It underwent a significant redesign in 2014 with updated bodywork and again in 2019 with a new liquid-cooled engine featuring VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology, bringing it closer in performance and looks to its larger siblings. It remains one of the best-selling 125cc sport bikes in Europe, widely regarded for its premium build quality and genuine sportbike feel at entry level.
15 hp
Power
11.5 Nm
Torque
142 kg
Weight
110 km/h
Top Speed
2.8 L/100km or approx. 35 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Watch the Coolant System
The YZF-R125 is liquid-cooled, which adds complexity — used buyers should check for coolant leaks around the water pump and radiator hoses, as neglected maintenance here can lead to costly repairs.
Strong Resale Value
The R125 holds its value exceptionally well compared to rival 125cc bikes, largely due to Yamaha's brand reputation and high demand from new A1-licence riders in the UK and Europe.
VVA Engine Technology
Post-2019 models feature Yamaha's Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system — borrowed from their larger bikes — delivering noticeably stronger mid-range and top-end power than most 125cc competitors.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original 124cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder, 15hp, steel frame, conventional forks, analogue instrumentation introduced.
"The benchmark 125 that actually feels like a motorcycle."
I put nearly 8,000 kilometres on a 2014 R125 commuting and weekend scratching, and what struck me immediately was how seriously Yamaha took the chassis — the steel frame and geometry genuinely reward corner-entry commitment in a way that most 125s simply don't. The liquid-cooled engine pulls cleanly to its 10,000rpm sweet spot but you are absolutely working that gearbox constantly on A-roads, and anything above 100 km/h on a motorway feels like you're flogging a frightened animal. The conventional forks are soft and dive under hard braking, which is the one place the budget origins really show through. Still, for a new rider learning to read corners and build throttle discipline, I'd argue this taught me more good habits than a slacker, lazier machine ever would have.
Pros
Cons
Revised bodywork inspired by YZF-R6, new LCD dash, updated engine meeting Euro 4, traction control added.
Euro 5 compliant engine, R7-inspired bodywork, full-colour TFT display, revised chassis and suspension geometry.
Used Buyer Review
"The smartest used 125 buy if you inspect it properly."
$2,500-$4,500 usedThe R125 is genuinely the best-looking 125 you can buy used, and Yamaha's build quality means even tired examples hold together reasonably well. That VVA engine is smooth and rev-happy, pulling decently to its 10,000rpm limit once you're past the flat spot around 6,000rpm. It's not fast — let's be clear about that — but for city commuting and A-road blasts it's more than adequate, and the chassis is surprisingly planted for something this small. Used, you need to check three things hard: the exhaust collector, which rots from the inside out on pre-2019 bikes; the front forks for oil seepage; and whether anyone's fitted a non-standard exhaust and potentially invalidated the insurance. Service history matters more here than on bigger bikes because neglected oil changes punish the little engine fast. Avoid anything above 20,000 miles unless the price reflects it significantly.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Yamaha Yzf-r125 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALCold start rattle, listen for ticking at idle
Check battery voltage, dimming lights under load
Inspect weep hole under pump for coolant residue
Ask for service history, check oil condition and colour
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Reliable if serviced regularly, avoid neglected examples
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Yamaha Yzf-r125
Suzuki Gsx-r125
Honda Cbr125r
Ktm Rc 125
Hyosung Gt125
Yamaha R15 V3
Compare Yamaha Yzf-r125 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Yamaha Yzf-r125 vs Suzuki Gsx-r125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Yzf-r125 vs Honda Cbr125r
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Yzf-r125 vs Ktm Rc 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Yzf-r125 vs Hyosung Gt125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Yzf-r125 vs Yamaha R15 V3
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Yamaha Yzf-r125? +
Camchain tensioner wear causing rattling: Cold start rattle, listen for ticking at idle (serious) | Stator and regulator rectifier failure: Check battery voltage, dimming lights under load (serious) | Coolant leaks from water pump seals: Inspect weep hole under pump for coolant residue (moderate)
Is the Yamaha Yzf-r125 a good motorcycle? +
The smartest used 125 buy if you inspect it properly. Rating: 8.0/10. Best for: New riders wanting quality that lasts beyond CBT. Avoid if: You need genuine A-road or dual-carriageway pace.
What is the horsepower of the Yamaha Yzf-r125? +
The Yamaha Yzf-r125 produces 15 hp @ 10,000 rpm, with 11.5 Nm @ 8,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 110 km/h.
Is the Yamaha Yzf-r125 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Yamaha Yzf-r125 is a reasonable choice for new riders (15 hp is manageable), weighing 142 kg. New riders wanting quality that lasts beyond CBT
Is the Yamaha Yzf-r125 reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Yamaha Yzf-r125, notably: Camchain tensioner wear causing rattling (Cold start rattle, listen for ticking at idle). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Yamaha Yzf-r125 good for daily use? +
New riders wanting quality that lasts beyond CBT Fuel: 2.8 L/100km or approx. 35 km/L (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Yamaha Yzf-r125? +
The Yamaha Yzf-r125 reaches a top speed of 110 km/h, producing 15 hp at 142 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Yamaha Yzf-r125? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha Yzf-r125, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/yzf-r125/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
